The wrought-iron gates of the Vance Estate opened slowly as Julian's black sedan pulled up the long, winding driveway. Beside him, Claire sat rigidly, holding tiny three-year-old Lily in her lap. The little girl clutched a plush teddy bear, staring wide-eyed at the massive marble fountain in the center of the driveway.
Lily: Mommy, is this a castle?
Claire: No, sweetie. It's just a big, empty house.
Julian: Not anymore, Lily. It's going to be your home now if your mommy gives me a second chance.
Julian stepped out of the vehicle and held the door open for Claire and his daughter. He held Lily close to his chest, his eyes shining with tears he refused to let spill. He marched straight up the grand steps and kicked open the heavy oak doors of the mansion.
Eleanor: Julian? What on earth is the meaning of this racket? I was in the middle of my tea—
Eleanor Vance froze, her fine porcelain teacup rattling against its saucer as her eyes fell upon Claire standing in the foyer, dressed in her blue maid uniform, and holding Julian's hand.
Eleanor: You... what is SHE doing here? I thought I made it very clear to you years ago to stay away from my family!
Julian: Shut your mouth, Mother!
Eleanor: How dare you speak to me like that in my own home!
Julian: This is NOT your home! This estate belongs to the Vance Trust, which is entirely under my name now that I have reached thirty years old!
Eleanor: Julian, darling, you're letting this common girl confuse you again. She's a gold digger who abandoned you!
Julian: She didn't abandon me. You had her framed! You had my assistant block her calls, you froze her accounts, and you threatened to put her in prison while she was carrying MY CHILD!
Eleanor: Child? What lie has she fed you?
Julian: Look at her, Mother! Look at Lily!
Julian stepped forward, presenting the little girl whose dark eyes and distinct facial structure were an undeniable copy of his own.
Eleanor: This... this is impossible.
Claire: You tried to erase us, Eleanor. You tried to make sure your son never knew he had a daughter, just so you could keep control over the family fortune.
Eleanor: You signed an NDA, Claire! I have lawyers! I will sue you for every penny you will ever make!
Julian: Try it, Mother. Please, try it. Because my legal team has already spent the last two hours reviewing the documents you forced her to sign under duress.
Claire: Duress, extortion, and forgery. Your security guard signed a sworn affidavit this afternoon admitting you forced him to edit that vault tape three years ago.
Eleanor: He... he would never betray me!
Julian: Everyone has a price, Mother. You taught me that yourself.
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